AFL Hopes To Come Back Stronger In 2010

How does a league suspend a season and re-emerge stronger and more viable? That’s the multi-million dollar question facing the AFL after it suspends the ’09 season and forms a committee led by Destroyers co-Owner Jim Renacci to re-evaluate its business model. Details of what’s next are scarce, but it seems to focus on a more centralized approach. NEWSDAY’s Neil Best notes the AFL “did not promise it will return in 2010," but Renacci says it is time “to retool and restructure.” Crush co-Owner John Elway, known for wanting to revamp the league’s business model, says, “The intention is for all 16 teams to come back for the 2010 season. … We don't want to see this go away.” The shutdown means that more than 400 people are out of a job, with most teams leaving only a skeleton staff.

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